# Himachal Government Gives BBMB Conditional Nod, Clearing Way for 10 MW Power Project at Pandoh

> Himachal Pradesh's government has issued BBMB a conditional NOC for its 10 MW power project near the Pandoh Dam, tying approval to the return of surplus land, as talks continue between the two sides.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Himachal Pradesh · **Published:** 2026-09-05 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/himachala-sarakara-ne-bbmb-ko-sasharta-mnjuri-di-pandoh-men-10-megavota-bijali-pariyojana-ko-mili-hari-jhndi-27983 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Pandoh Dam, BBMB, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Power Project, Beas River, Hydro Power

A long-pending 10 megawatt power project near the Pandoh Dam in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district has finally moved a step closer to reality. The state government has issued a conditional no-objection certificate to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for the project, permitting construction work to begin on the condition that BBMB hands back surplus land to the state. The two sides are now locked in talks to settle that condition before work can proceed further.

## The Land Dispute Holding Things Up
BBMB maintains it has no surplus land left to return, since whatever extra land it once held has already been transferred back to the state government. Chandramani Sharma, Additional Superintending Engineer of BBMB Pandoh, confirmed that the NOC came attached to this very condition of returning surplus land. He said senior BBMB officials are now in direct discussions with the state government to resolve the issue so construction is not delayed further. Sharma also pointed out that once operational, the project will entitle the state to a share of free electricity, an added incentive for Himachal Pradesh.

## An Old Tunnel Gets a New Purpose
The idea behind the project traces back nearly 50 years, to when the Pandoh Dam itself was being built. At the time, engineers constructed a 30-diameter tunnel to divert water from the Beas river during construction. BBMB officials realised that the 15 percent of water currently released directly from the dam back into the Beas river could instead be routed through this old tunnel, generating electricity in the process rather than going to waste.

## Two 5 MW Units Planned at Pandoh
Based on this idea, BBMB has proposed two separate power units of 5 megawatts each at Pandoh, together adding up to the 10 megawatt project. According to Sharma, a Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) estimating the cost at Rs 80 crore has already been prepared, while the final Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will confirm the actual cost, is still being worked on. Once the DPR is ready, the exact cost and timeline for the project will become clear.

## What this means for you
Once complete, the project will bring Himachal Pradesh a direct benefit in the form of free electricity, though ordinary consumers won't see an immediate change in their bills.

- **Across India:** The project could serve as a model for using existing river infrastructure and old diversion tunnels to add small hydro capacity elsewhere. That could open a low-cost route to more clean power generation in other states too.
- **In Mandi:** Building the project at Pandoh could create local construction-related employment in the area. The state's share of free electricity from the project will also add to Himachal Pradesh's energy resources.
- **Land dispute risk:** If BBMB and the state government fail to agree on the surplus land issue, the project's start could be delayed further, putting the timeline at risk.
- **Cost uncertainty:** Only an 80 crore rupee preliminary report exists so far; the real cost and budget will only be clear once the final DPR is ready, meaning government spending on the project could still rise or fall.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What project is being built near the Pandoh Dam?
BBMB is building a 10 megawatt power project consisting of two separate 5 megawatt units.

### 2. On what condition has the state government given the NOC?
The government has said construction can begin, but BBMB must return surplus land to the state in exchange.

### 3. What is BBMB's response to this condition?
BBMB says it has no surplus land left, as whatever extra land it had has already been returned to the government.

### 4. Which tunnel will be used to generate electricity?
A 30-diameter tunnel built 50 years ago during the Pandoh Dam's construction, originally used to divert water from the Beas river, will be used.

### 5. How will Himachal Pradesh benefit from this project?
Once the project is built, the state will receive a share of free electricity.

### 6. What is the estimated cost of the project?
An 80 crore rupee Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) has been prepared, while the final DPR is still being worked on.

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